Botanical mark
Aleks Thornton
Registered Physiotherapist
beyond
traditional

healing through understanding,
not just symptom management.

An integrated approach combining physiotherapy, osteopathically informed manual therapy, Gunn IMS dry needling, and nervous system regulation. Together, these approaches help break down the barriers to recovery so you can move with greater confidence, resilience, and ease.

Home visits now available on Salt Spring Island.

About

My Training & Approach

Aleks Thornton in practice

14+

Years of experience

1,000+

Clients helped

Get to know the experience and education behind my practice. Explore my physiotherapy background, advanced training, continuing education, and the approaches that have shaped how I work with each person.

Explore my training & approach

How I Work

Support that meets you where you are

Comprehensive physiotherapy assessment

Personalized, whole-body assessment to identify the factors and barriers contributing to persistent pain and limiting recovery.

Helpful for: Post-operative recovery, fractures and injuries, frozen shoulder, tennis and golfer’s elbow, knee and hip replacements, osteoarthritis, persistent pain, movement limitations, and returning to activity after injury.

Osteopathically informed manual therapy

Gentle hands-on treatment, including cranial osteopathy, to address movement restrictions and autonomic nervous system contributions.

Helpful for: Endometriosis, GERD and acid reflux, migraines and headaches, persistent pain, vertigo and dizziness, neck and jaw tension, breathing-related movement restrictions, and whole-body tension.

Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

Targeted dry needling treatment for neuromuscular sensitivity, addressing underlying muscle tension, nerve sensitivity, and compression contributing to persistent pain.

Helpful for: Myofascial pain syndromes, headaches and migraines, shoulder and hip impingement, chronic pain, and muscle tension or movement sensitivity lasting longer than 3 months.

Exercise Library & Home Support

Access to a personalized exercise library with guided movements to support your treatment, build capacity, and continue your progress at home.

Helpful for: Pre- and post-operative recovery, recovery following injury, chronic pain, visualization and graded movement, stability work, mobility, strength development, and returning to activities that matter to you.

Resources

Exercise Catalogue

A growing collection of guided exercises and practical tools to support recovery, restore movement, build strength, and develop confidence in your body.

Explore exercises and resources for:

Pre & Post-operative recovery
Progressive exercises to support mobility, strength, and a return to activity.
Strength & stability
Targeted exercises to build strength, control, and movement capacity.
Mobility & range of motion
Simple movements to restore mobility and gradually expand comfortable movement.
Pain & nervous system support
Breathing, visualization, and movement strategies to help reduce protective patterns and support a more adaptable nervous system.
Access the catalogue
Share your name and email once to access the catalogue and receive new exercises and educational resources as they are added.